Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport

Overview

Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport (Indonesian: Bandar Udara Internasional Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan) is the main airport serving Balikpapan, the capital of East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Named after Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman, a historical figure from the region, the airport is one of the busiest in Kalimantan, handling both domestic and international flights. It is a crucial hub for travelers visiting East Kalimantan, including tourists and business travelers in the oil, gas, and mining sectors.

The airport has modern facilities and has undergone expansions to accommodate increasing passenger traffic, providing a comfortable experience for travelers.

---

Terminals

The airport has a single passenger terminal with separate sections for domestic and international flights.

• Domestic Terminal: Serves flights to major Indonesian cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, and Samarinda.
• International Terminal: Handles regional international flights to countries like Malaysia and Singapore.

Facilities include check-in counters, immigration and customs, baggage handling, lounges, prayer rooms, retail outlets, and dining options.

---

Airlines and Destinations

Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport serves multiple domestic and international airlines.

Domestic Airlines

• Garuda Indonesia
• Lion Air
• Batik Air
• Citilink
• Sriwijaya Air

International Airlines

• Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur)
• AirAsia (Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru)
• Scoot (Singapore)

Destinations include major Indonesian cities and regional international destinations in Southeast Asia.

---

Facilities

The airport offers a variety of facilities for travelers:

• Passenger Services: Lounges, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange, and information counters.
• Transportation: Taxi services, ride-hailing options, car rental, and shuttle buses to Balikpapan city center.
• Parking: Short-term and long-term parking, including valet options.
• Accessibility: Facilities for disabled passengers including ramps, elevators, and special assistance services.
• Shopping and Dining: Duty-free shops, cafes, local restaurants, and souvenir stores.

---

How to Reach

Travelers can access Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport using multiple convenient options:

• By Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services: Available 24/7 outside the terminal. Estimated travel time to the city center is 30–45 minutes.
• By Airport Shuttle Bus: Regular shuttle buses connect the airport to major hotels and transport hubs in Balikpapan. Tickets are available at the airport counter.
• By Car Rental: Multiple car rental companies operate within the airport terminal, offering self-driving options for visitors.
• Private Transfers: Hotels and resorts in Balikpapan often provide airport pick-up and drop-off services.

The airport is approximately 13 km (8 miles) from the Balikpapan city center.

---

Runway

• Runway Number: 07/25
• Length: 3,000 m (9,843 ft)
• Surface: Asphalt
• Capable of handling large aircraft including Boeing 777 and Airbus A330.

---

Expansion and Future Plans

To meet growing passenger demand, the airport has undergone multiple expansion projects, including the addition of new gates, upgraded check-in areas, and improved facilities for international travelers. Future plans include modernizing terminals and increasing runway capacity for larger aircraft.

---

See Also

• List of airports in Indonesia
• Transportation in Balikpapan
• Tourism in East Kalimantan

---

Conclusion

Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport is the primary gateway to East Kalimantan, offering convenient domestic and international connections. With modern amenities, efficient services, and strategic location, the airport plays a vital role in regional tourism, business, and economic development. Travelers can expect a smooth and comfortable journey whether arriving from other Indonesian cities or nearby Southeast Asian countries.